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Now that we are allowed out for unlimited exercise and that the summer holidays are looming, this month I’ve brought together some of my favourite books that inspire children to explore, learn and play in the natural world around them.

The books are ordered so they start with those for young readers and go right up to ones that are perfect for early teens. Do keep an eye on twitter for a chance to win copies of some of the books featured!

Usborne Garden Sticker & Colouring Book (Usborne Books)

With over 200 stickers, this book is perfect for very young nature lovers.

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt: Let’s Discover Bugs (Walker Books)

Inspired by the classic picture book, this activity book is brilliant for any child who wants to learn more about why insects are so important to the natural world.

My First Book of Birds illustrated by Zoe Ingram (Walker Books)

With beautiful illustrations throughout, this book features over 20 garden birds and contains everything you need to know to start identifying birds for yourself.

Busy Little Bees: Sunflower Shoots and Muddy Boots A Child’s Guide to Gardening by Katherine Halligan and Grace Easton (Nosy Crow)

With stunning illustrations, this is a fantastic introduction to gardening for small children. Perfect for anyone who loves getting their hands dirty and likes watching plants grow. This book has plenty of options no matter how big or small your garden might be.

Bees, Bugs and Butterflies: A Family Guide to Our Garden Heroes and Helpers by Ben Raskin (Leaping Hare Press)

This is a fantastic book for nature lovers. Packed full of information, facts, activities and beautiful illustrations, this book is perfect for curious readers who want to know more about bugs and the importance of pollination.

Fingerprint Activities Under The Sea by Candice Whatmore (Usborne)

Even if you can’t get to the beach this summer, this book comes with a multi-coloured ink pad for readers to use their own fingerprints to decorate and complete the underwater activities on every page.

The Big Green Activity Book by Damara Strong (Buster Books)

This 128 page book is packed full of eco themed puzzles and facts about topics ranging from saving water to deforestation. Printed on eco-friendly paper with bright, colour illustrations throughout, it is ideal for all budding environmentalists.

RHS The Pocket Book Of Garden Experiments: 80 Fun Activities for Families by Helen Pilcher (Bloomsbury)

Featuring over 80 experiments that can all be done at home, from making an ecosystem in a jar to finding out why leaves change colour, this fascinating book has plenty to keep the whole family busy.

i-SPY Trees (Collins)

These small guide books are the perfect size to put in your pocket when you go out for a family walk. With photos and facts about every tree, it is ideal for anyone who wants to learn the names of the trees around them.

Out and About: Night Explorer: A children’s guide to over 100 insects, animals, birds and stars by Robyn Swift and Sara Lynn Cramb (Nosy Crow)

This is a lovely book for curious kids who are eager to learn more about the nocturnal world around them. Packed full of activities and information about nocturnal animals, mini-beasts and plants as well as the night sky.

Never Get Bored Outdoors (Usborne)

This 128 page book is jam packed with plenty of ideas and activities for things to do outside, from ball games to picnic recipes and from tree spotting to throwing boomerangs. This book is perfect for the summer holidays which will be here before we know it!

The Lost Book of Adventure from the notebooks of the Unknown Adventurer by Teddy Keen (Frances Lincon Children’s Books)

This beautiful book is based on notebooks and sketchbooks discovered in a sealed metal container in the Amazon by outdoor enthusiast Teddy Keen. It contains 192 pages about everything you need to know to survive and thrive in the wild – from building shelters to tying knots. This is perfect for inspiring a love of adventure and the great outdoors.

Wild Things: Over 100 Magical Outdoor Adventures by Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks (Lonely Planet Kids)

This book is perfect if you’re looking for ways to inspire young readers to spend more time in nature. With a mix of photography and illustrations, Wild Things is full of ideas for activities you can do outside, from brewing magical potions and creating fairy outfits, to finding troll bridges and bringing tree monsters to life.

Guardians of The Planet: How To Be An Eco Hero by Clive Gifford and Jonathan Woodward (Buster Books)

This fantastic book is packed full of information to help children look after the planet. With illustrations throughout, it is full of facts, tips and suggestions to help readers become more environmentally friendly. Printed with environmentally friendly ink on FSC paper, it has been developed with environmental health charity ClientEarth.

Some books have been gifted by the Publishers but all views are my own.